Efficacy of silver ions against Sacbrood virus infection in the Eastern honey bee Apis cerana

Although silver is known to be a broad-spectrum biocidal agent, the effects of this metal against Sacbrood virus have not yet been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of silver ions against natural Korean sacbrood virus (KSBV) infection of Apis (A.) cerana. Ten KSBV-infected colonies containing A. cerana with similar strength and activity were selected from an apiary located in Bosung-gun (Korea). Among these, five colonies were randomly assigned to the treatment group that was fed sugar syrup containing 0.2 mg/L silver ions. The other colonies were assigned to the untreated control group in which bees were given syrup without the silver ions. To assess the efficacy of the silver ions, colony strength, colony activity, and the number of dead larvae per hive were measured. During the experimental period, the test group maintained its strength and activity until day 32 while those of bees in the control group decreased sharply after day 8 to 16. Survival duration of the test group was significantly longer (40 days) than that of the control group (21 days). These results strongly indicated that silver ions are effective against KSBV infection in A. cerana.

Singular anti-RNA virus-directed proteins.

AIMS: To additionally purify and characterise the anti-RNA virus-directed protein termed p14. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiviral assays of p14 against RNA and DNA viruses were carried out and its antigenic similarities with chicken interferon (CIFN) were studied. HPLC-Reverse Phase of p14 was performed to further purify p14. RESULTS: p14 showed antiviral activity against RNA viruses only and not against DNA viruses. It was antigenically distinct from CIFN. Purification of p14 yielded three proteins with antiviral activity, which had different physico-chemical properties than those described for interferons. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented on the antiviral, immunological and physico-chemical properties, establish the unique nature of p14 vis-á-vis those of interferons.

Comparative study of plant extracts Nigella sativa [Black seed] and Ukraine with Antiviral drug: on DNA and RNA Viruses

Studies were conducted to determine the antiviral activities of synthetic [Troamantadine hydrochloride] and a plant extracts [a commonly used oil extract of Nigella satsiva. and Ukrain] on Herpes simplex virus type-l [DNA] and Polio virus type-l [RNA] virus and this required the determination of the toxicity level of these substances on cell culture and detection of the antiviral activity on tissue culture [Vero cells]. Data indicated that Ukrain is effective on Polio virus because it has significant value as antiviral agent after adsorption on vero cells, but Nigella has a virucidal effect on polio virus. At the same time, Nigella and Troamantadine have a virucidal effect on Herpes virus, but the Troamantadine hydrochloride gave a significant effect as antiviral agent after adsorption of Herpes virus [extra cellular and intra cellular]